By Nkechi Eze
In a remarkable celebration of women’s leadership and advocacy, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, with the prestigious “Trailblazer in Women Political Representation” award. The recognition, which underscores her relentless efforts in advancing women’s participation in politics, was presented to her during a courtesy visit by the Association’s leadership at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
In an official signed statement, NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, explained that the award celebrates Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim’s dedication to promoting women’s leadership, socio-economic empowerment, and protection of vulnerable women and girls. Mrs. Ogbeche highlighted the Minister’s exemplary intervention in the ongoing case of Walida Abdullahi, a young woman at the centre of national attention over an alleged abduction and related controversy. The NAWOJ leadership commended her proactive role in addressing speculation surrounding the sensitive case and pledged continued support for responsible journalism that safeguards the dignity and rights of women.
“On behalf of women journalists, we apologise for any development that may have portrayed the media in a negative light. Every girl-child has the right to life, education, and protection, as the Honourable Minister has consistently emphasised,” Mrs. Ogbeche stated, reaffirming confidence in her ability to protect vulnerable women and girls. She further explained that the award, resolved upon during the Association’s Zone D 65th Independence Celebration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, was deliberately presented in person to reflect the significance of the recognition.
Receiving the award, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude to NAWOJ for the honour and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaboration with women journalists as partners in advancing national development goals. She lauded the Association’s follow-up on Walida’s case, stressing the importance of protecting the young woman and her infant from undue media exposure, including the publication of their images.
The Minister also highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the 2026 declaration as the “Year of Family and Social Development” as a transformative milestone for women and families nationwide. “Just two weeks ago, Mr. President declared this year as the Year of Family and Social Development. It shows his willingness to prioritise the women’s agenda and ensure that women fully key into it,” she said. She noted that the declaration has inspired initiatives such as the Nigeria of Our Dreams Vision and the Renewed Hope Social Interventions 774 Programme, designed to uplift grassroots communities across Nigeria.
While celebrating the presidential milestone, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed concern over limited media attention given to the declaration, urging journalists to play a more active role in amplifying policies and programmes that promote family welfare and women’s empowerment. She emphasized that such engagements reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with women journalists as strategic allies in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The award ceremony and engagement with NAWOJ Zone D underscore the Minister’s impact as a visionary leader in women’s political representation and her unwavering dedication to fostering a safer, empowered, and more inclusive Nigeria.
